F1IS 4150 - Law of Armed Conflict (Lecture)

This course aims at the study of rules governing the conduct of international and non-international armed conflict from a military perspective. Students will acquire knowledge of the Geneva Conventions and its Additional Protocols, mainly concerned with the protection of the victims of armed conflict, as well as the provisions related to limitations or prohibitions of specific means and methods of warfare. Their application will be put into perspective, through actual conflict analysis, having in mind that today's armed conflicts are mainly non-international, and that the methods of warfare are progressively changing. An important part of the course will therefore be dedicated to the categories of persons and objects protected under the law of armed conflict.

Learning Outcomes:

Legal framework of different types of armed conflict;

Rules applicable to the conduct of hostilities;

Categories of persons and objects protected in hostilities;

Actors in armed conflict: parties to the armed conflict, third parties;

New types of arms and means of warfare.

Professional Skills:

Develop ability to provide decision-makers with accurate and clear legal advice.

Hone analytical skills in the field of international law.

Promote critical thinking and teamwork through collaborative presentations.

Improve public speaking skills by giving sound and clear legal presentations.

The course is aimed at university students of international law, international relations, politics and other areas, who want to gain knowledge in the field of the law of armed conflict. (Basic) knowledge in international law is an advantage, but not a prerequisite.

Feedback will be provided to students after each exams.

• Individual take-home exam at the end of the semester (practical case study) 50 %
• A written exam in the middle of the semester 40 %
• Individual oral participation 10%

• In Class Presence: 2 hours a week / 24 hours a semester
• Reading and Preparation for Class: 4 hours a week / 48 hours a semester
• Research and Preparation for the collective written work: 24 hours a semester
• Research and Preparation for the oral presentation: 24 hours a semester.
• Research and Writing for the individual written assessment: 30 hours a semester